Thaindian News

Sydney, June 18(ANI): The dominant Australian fast bowler of the last Ashes series, Ben Hilfenhaus, has began a three-week trial that will determine whether he regains his place for the Ashes series.

Hilfenhaus was cleared for a return from a lingering knee tendon injury, and will now play for Australia A against Sri Lanka A in Queensland in an ideal Test warm-up. During his time away from the spotlight, unheralded domestic bowlers such as Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris have fortified their positions in the Test team, while Clint McKay and even Josh Hazlewood are now considered the leading pace reinforcements for Australia.

“I’ve obviously slipped down a bit, haven’t I? The blokes there are obviously doing a fantastic job … and it’s very hard for them [selectors] to even think about changing a winning line-up,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hilfenhaus, as saying.

“Obviously I’ve … got a bit of work to do to, hopefully, put my name up in front of selectors,” he added.

Hilfenhaus, who has been bowling in the nets for more than a month, further declared that he was focusing on getting his place back.

“I’m looking at it as a chance to play some cricket and obviously get some confidence in bowling and my knee pulling up well every day. I think it’s more of a confidence thing,” he said. (ANI)